KARACHI, Aug 1: The non-availability of anti-rabies vaccine in public sector hospitals has been causing hardships to victims of dog-bite who are compelled to purchase the vaccine privately at exorbitant rates.
One of the victims of dog-bite, who was brought to the casualty ward of the Civil Hospital in the first week of the previous month, was suggested by the doctor for administration of six doses of Vero Reb in one month period, as is the norm for patients suffering from the problem. Each vial of the medicine costs Rs532 at retail outlets.
Initially, owing to availability of required medicine, he was regularly administered four doses, however, a few days ago he was informed that due to exhaustion of available stock, he would have to purchase it from his own pocket.
The patient, finding no alternative, had to buy the vaccine from a medical store, since he was informed by the paramedical staff, that non-administration of the remaining two doses of the vaccine, would neutralize the impact of previous four, he was administered earlier.—PPI
